Hi I just recently picked up an 04 Scion XA. The break pads are starting to go bad. I'm going to have my guy freind replace them is there any special tools that he might need? He does alot of work on other foreign vehicles? I guess what i'm trying to ask is the dificulty level of replacing the front brakes?Thank you for your time!

 

BRAKE pads. But I don't know how hard it is. Just replace the pads w/ aftermarket ones.

 

main thing that will really help is a c clamp to compress the pistons (in the brake calipers).

 

okay thats what i was wondering, so just any c clamp will do correct? So I'm guessing that i would have to take the cap off of the brake reservior?

 

umm...well, you'd want a c clamp that's big enough haha.
and take off the cap to the brake reservoir, it shouldn't
overflow but keep an eye on it just in case.

 

and some wd/40. spray it on the piston when it's time to compress them to fit the new pads. will go in alot smoother.


my question. i've got about 27000 miles on my xa. when should i replace my pads?

 

i don't know about the wd40 thing there is a anti-squeal
lubricant you can use instead. the pads shouldn't be that
hard to install.

27000! lucky...i only got 5000 out of my stock ones. (i
brake hard) wish i could help you there but i don't know
the answer to that except for, if the sensor is scratching
the rotor, it's definitely time.

 

I just ordered new Akebono ProACT brake pads... I've gotten 68000 out of my stock brakes so far...

 

68000?!
dang miko you've been babying those things. lol

 

I got about 40,000 on my first set of pads, swapped them in less time than it took to jack up the car. No special tools needed, just plenty of brake cleaner spray to keep it all spotless. I don't bother with the C clamp, I just pry the piston back with a long heavy duty screwdriver.

 

Brake pad + Engine braking...it's like breathing.

 

just like my ole' volvo

did you use aftermarket pads manny?

 

I am running Hawk Ceramic pads...love 'em! They don't dust near as bad as regular pads, but they like to have a little heat in them. I went with some slotted and dimpled rotors and I really think they cool the pads too well in regular driving. But, when you get frisky....ohhhhhhh buddy, they are great!!!!

 

A greasemonkey friend of mine helped install my new Akebono ProACT brake pads. He had some type of piston clamp that helped make the job real easy. With the ProACT pads, we put the provided shim on, put the "Mono-Lube" on the shim, then used the metal plates that were on the stock pads. Put everything back together and no squeeks! I think I want braided lines next...

Rundown:
1. Engage the e-brake, then jack up the car on a level surface
2. Take front wheels/tires off
3. Check out how much meat you have left on the installed brake pads
4. Get two 14mm box wrenches or a box wrench with a socket wrench
5. On the caliper, holding the upper 14mm nut with the box wrench, undo the bolt with the other wrench
6. Once the bolt is removed, you should be able to slide the caliper out using the bottom bolt as a hinge...scratch that! Undo the bottom one, too. I let it sit on the axle...just don't let it hang by the brake line...
7. Analyze and remember how the brakes are mounted then slide them out
8. Make a delicious sandwich out of the new brakes, shims, lube, and stock metal backplates
9. Put the new brake pads on
10. You may need a caliper compression tool to give enough clearance to put the caliper back on the new brakes. Check your brake fluid resevoir!
11. Put the 14mm bolt back on the caliper and tighten it to spec
12. Repeat process to the other side...
13. Recheck everything then put the wheels/tire back on
14.Once the new brake pads are installed and the wheels/tires are back on, pump your brake pedal to tighten your brakes...

Once everything is done, DRIVE NORMAL. Do not try to test your brakes as soon as you're done. Give the pads time to...mingle with your rotors. The worst thing you can do is put yourself and others at risk of getting injured.

Dang, I don't even get paid to do this crap anymore!

 

so miko whens this going into the tech section

 

i neet to replace my brakes too

 

Hey ive seen and helped changed brakes on other cars i worked for merchants is it standard brake changing and like the TC if so could some one give me a shout at Pseudotoad@yahoo.com or reply here. Thanx EmceeBubbles

 

i think come january i'll replace my pads and rotors, as well as give the calipers another coat of yellow.

 

Who ever gave those directions for the tc the xa brake change is pretty much the same thing THANX it helped alot and another ? anyone know of how to get the Two large bolts off with out any power tools because those bolts are on there like HAIl! so anyone just pop a answer off to me that would be great

 

ummm... your really should bleed out your lines by compressing your calipers you could be pushing dirty / broken down brake fluid back in to your lines and bleeding your lines isnt that hard - well maybe its just me but i say if your gona do something do it right ! and you are lucky i only got 13,000 miles out of my first pad set and about 15,000 out of my second i just installed some duralast pads just to try'em out they were $19.99 at autozone and so far iv put 5,000 miles on them and they work great i dont feel a difference between them and the first 2 stock pad sets $56 at dealer or $65 i dont remeber